Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Depressive Personality Style with Jonathan Shedler May 23, 2025

Show notes

Dr. David Puder and psychologist Dr. Jonathan Shedler explore depressive personality style—how it differs from clinical depression and why it often goes unrecognized. Through a detailed role play, they demonstrate how self-criticism, unconscious guilt, emotional deprivation, and suppressed anger emerge in therapy.

They discuss:

How depressive personalities form in childhood
The role of introjection, self-blame, and gentle idealization
Why therapists may miss key dynamics if therapy feels "too good"
How to help patients access their real needs and frustrations

This episode is ideal for clinicians and anyone interested in deep psychodynamic work. Shedler draws from the work of Nancy McWilliams and Otto Kernberg while offering his own insights on personality, countertransference, and therapeutic technique.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 2 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Cannabis and Psychosis: The Link Between THC Use and Mental Health Risks May 05, 2025

Show notes

Dive deep into the connection between cannabis (THC) and psychosis in this enlightening episode with Dr. David Puder. Explore cutting-edge research on how cannabis impacts neurodevelopment, particularly during adolescence, and discover genetic and environmental factors that can amplify psychosis risk. This episode provides valuable insights into recognizing cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms, understanding the importance of early intervention, and implementing effective strategies for treatment and prevention. Essential listening for mental health professionals, educators, parents, and anyone interested in the nuanced relationship between cannabis use and mental health.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

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Transference Focused Psychotherapy & Personality Disorders with Dr. Otto Kernberg Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Otto Kernberg, a pioneer of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), discusses personality disorders through a psychoanalytic lens. Explore key insights into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), identity diffusion, primitive defense mechanisms such as splitting and projective identification, and the complexities of narcissistic, paranoid, schizoid, and histrionic personalities. Dr. Kernberg also shares reflections on sexuality, aggression, reflective functioning, and why therapists choose to help others.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

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Creatine and Mental Health Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Dr. David Puder hosts a deep dive with experts Nicholas Fabiano, MD, Brandon Luu, MD, Joshua Mangunsong, MS3, and Liam Browning, MS4 into the exciting potential of creatine supplementation for mental health and cognitive enhancement. They explore cutting-edge research on how creatine can improve mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reasoning, and support brain metabolism through its role in ATP regeneration. The episode also reviews clinical trials demonstrating creatine's effectiveness in psychiatric disorders, optimal dosing strategies, and its safety profile. Listen to learn how creatine may revolutionize treatment options in psychiatry.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

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Ketogenic Diet Review and Update with Dr. Matt Bernstein Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

Explore the transformative potential of the ketogenic diet for mental health with expert Dr. Matt Bernstein, a pioneer in metabolic psychiatry. Learn how targeting metabolic dysfunction can profoundly improve psychiatric outcomes in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy, with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. Discover actionable insights on diet, metabolism, and brain health backed by the latest scientific research.

Tune in to revolutionize your understanding of nutrition's role in mental wellness!

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

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Link to YouTube video.

Clozapine & Schizophrenia with Michael Cummings, MD Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Join Dr. David Puder and expert psychopharmacologist Dr. Michael Cummings in a detailed discussion on Clozapine, the gold standard medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. They explore recent significant updates, including the removal of the Clozapine REMS program, which simplifies patient care and medication management.

This episode covers optimal dosing practices, managing side effects, crucial drug interactions, and approaches to related conditions such as catatonia. An essential resource for psychiatrists and mental health professionals seeking updated clinical insights.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.75 Psychiatry CME Credits.

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The Serotonin Hypothesis: Controversies and Nuance with Awais Aftab, MD Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

Is depression really caused by low serotonin? Dr. Awais Aftab joins Dr. David Puder to explore the serotonin hypothesis, antidepressant efficacy, and the controversies surrounding SSRIs. They dive into the history of the serotonin deficiency theory, key research on antidepressants vs. placebo, and how neuroplasticity, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes factor into depression treatment. The episode also examines differences between major treatment guidelines, including RANZCP and NICE, and what the latest evidence suggests about the future of mental health care.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.25 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.

Links for Dr. Awais Aftab:

Substack

World Psychiatry

Conversations in Critical Psychiatry

Transference Focused Psychotherapy, Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissism, with Frank Yeomans, MD Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. David Puder interviews Dr. Frank Yeomans, a leading expert in Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) and personality disorders, to explore the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). They discuss object relations theory, identity diffusion, splitting, and the therapeutic relationship in TFP. Dr. Yeomans shares clinical insights on working with paranoid, devaluing, and omnipotent transferences, highlighting how therapists can navigate idealization, devaluation, and therapeutic neutrality. They also compare TFP with other psychodynamic approaches and discuss the role of aggression in mentalization and personality integration.

Learn how TFP helps patients develop a stable identity
Understand the differences between BPD and NPD treatment
Explore the role of transference in psychotherapy

Tune in for a deep dive into psychodynamic therapy with one of the field's top experts!

By listening to this episode, you can earn 2.0 Psychiatry CME Credits.

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Reframing "Goodbye" as a Transition: Guidance from Dr. Tarr Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

How do we navigate therapy termination as a transition rather than a loss? In this episode, Dr. John Tarr explores the emotions, challenges, and growth opportunities that come with ending therapy. We discuss how termination triggers past attachment wounds, the psychological impact of separation, and how therapists can guide patients through this process. Learn how reframing 'goodbye' can lead to lasting transformation, self-reflection, and autonomy. Whether you're a therapist or someone in therapy, this episode provides deep insights into the complexities of closure, loss, and resilience in psychotherapy.

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Cold Exposure for Mental Health Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Can cold exposure improve your mental health? In this episode, we explore the science behind cold therapy methods like ice baths, cryotherapy, cold-water swimming, and cold showers. Backed by research, we dive into the physiological and psychological effects of cold exposure, including its impact on mood, anxiety, dopamine, norepinephrine, and stress resilience.

We discuss historical practices, benefits for mental and physical health, and common misconceptions around claims like immune boosting and inflammation reduction. Learn practical tips, safety precautions, and how cold immersion could fit into your mental health or wellness routine.

Whether you're curious about the Wim Hof Method, the dopamine-boosting effects of cold plunges, or the latest studies on cold exposure's antidepressant potential, this episode offers insights you won't want to miss.

By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits.

Link to blog.

Link to YouTube video.